The 2025–2026 Egyptian Premier League draw, held on Sunday, revealed that the highly anticipated Cairo Derby between Ahly and Zamalek has been scheduled for matchweek nine, according to the fixture list released by the Egyptian Pro League.
The new season kicks off on 8 August and will feature 21 clubs competing in a two-phase format. In the first phase, each team will play 20 matches in a single round-robin format. The top seven teams will then advance to a title-deciding group, while the remaining 14 will fight to avoid relegation in a separate group.
Among other key clashes, Ahly will face Pyramids in matchweek five, and Zamalek are set to meet Pyramids in week 20.
Opening fixtures and new regulations
In other opening fixtures, Wadi Degla will take on Pyramids at Al Salam Stadium, Ismaily hosts Petrojet, and Smouha plays Tala'ea El Gaish at Borg El Arab Stadium. National Bank will face Ghazl El Mahalla, while Pharco clashes with ENPPI.
League president Ahmed Diab stated that changes were made to the competition's regulations this season, with the second-phase draw to be held 10 days before its commencement.
"This year's format aims to increase competitiveness and accommodate the national team's schedule," Diab told reporters.
Four teams will be relegated at the end of the second phase from the lower group. Rankings in the final phase will take into account points from the first stage and direct competition within each group.
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